Biopsy is one of the most reliable methods of diagnosing diseases and is a medical procedure performed to determine whether there are any abnormal changes in tissues or cells. This procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from a specific part of the body and analysing it under a microscope. It is especially used in the diagnosis of skin cancer and other types of cancer and in the detection of inflammatory diseases.
Types of Biopsy
- Needle Biopsy:
It is the most common type of biopsy. Using a needle, a tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area.
Fine needle biopsy: Cell samples are taken with small needles.
Thick needle biopsy: Larger tissue samples are taken, this is often used to examine tumours.
- Surgical Biopsy:
The doctor opens the area and takes a larger tissue sample. This type of biopsy is usually preferred for samples to be taken from deep areas.
- Endoscopic Biopsy:
Internal parts of the body, such as the lungs or digestive system, are accessed with a device called an endoscope. The endoscope is a tube with a camera at the end and tools to take a biopsy.
- Skin Biopsy:
In the case of dermatological conditions, a sample is taken from blemishes, swelling or abnormal changes in the skin. It is performed under local anaesthesia and the cells under the skin are usually examined under a microscope.
How is a biopsy performed?
- Preparation:
The area to be biopsied is cleaned and usually given a local anaesthetic. Anaesthesia ensures that you do not feel pain during the procedure.
- Procedure:
Needle biopsy: A sample is taken from the suspicious area with a small needle. The procedure usually takes a few minutes.
Surgical biopsy: If necessary, an incision is made to cut the area and a larger tissue sample is taken.
- Aftercare:
The sample is sent to the laboratory and examined under a microscope. The results are usually available within a few days.
Biopsy Results
After a biopsy, a tissue sample is taken and examined by a pathologist. The results include whether the cells are normal or abnormal, whether there are cancerous cells or signs of another disease. The results are usually available within a few days.
Care After Biopsy
It is important to follow a few recommendations after the biopsy:
- Keep the treated area clean.
- Use the medication prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.
- If a surgical biopsy was performed, make sure that the scarring is minimal during the healing process.
- Swelling, bruising or mild pain is normal, but if there is excessive swelling or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Biopsy plays a critical role in the correct diagnosis of diseases and helps to make an early diagnosis. Early diagnosis can be life-saving in the treatment of serious diseases such as skin cancer. Biopsy is a safe and effective method performed by specialised physicians. This procedure is necessary to finalise the diagnosis of many diseases and to create a treatment plan.
It is of great importance to perform a detailed preliminary examination before aesthetic operations. Uzm. Dr. Kamile Demirci can guide you in the best way in this process with her expertise and experience. You can contact us via the contact information below to make a pre-examination appointment.
